Philadelphia 76ers continued to bolster their star three of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George by signing free-agent forward Caleb Martin, according to reports. Martin plans to sign the multi-year contract soon when the league's signing restriction is removed, according to a source the condition of anonymity because the deal is not yet public. The contract was for four years and guaranteed more than $32 million.
Martin, 28, averaged 8.5 points in five seasons, including the previous three with the Heat. Martin made a name for himself in Miami Heat by always improving. He averaged 10 points and hit 35% from three. On Monday, George and the Sixers reached an agreement on a $212 million, four-year free-agency contract, while Maxey agreed in principle to a $204 million, five-year contract extension.
Martin attended Nevada and NC State before being undrafted. He made no guarantees when he entered the NBA. The G League was where he needed to play. After two seasons, Charlotte allowed him to go. Martin went on to become the 2023 NBA playoffs' breakthrough star, leading the Heat to the NBA Finals. He ought to begin as a power forward for a squad that hasn't taken home the NBA title since 1983.
Martin averaged 19.3 points on 60% shooting and scored a postseason career-high 26 points on Boston's home court in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals. In the first two rounds that season, against No. 1 Milwaukee and No. 5 New York, he averaged 10.8 points on nearly 53% shooting.
Nick Nurse has good lineup for next season
Martin's postseason performances were precisely what the 76ers were looking for as they filled up a roster that was nearly barren at the end of the season, save for Embiid and Maxey. The 76ers have also released forward Paul Reed, according to the individual.
Under coach Nick Nurse, the 76ers' starting lineup could include Embiid, Maxey, George, Oubre, and Martin, with Drummond, Gordon, and first-round draft selection Jared McCain serving as major players off the bench.